cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cheerful

• bright
• optimistic
• cheery
• sunny
• upbeat
• smiling
• buoyant

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

The account has already attracted over 63,000 followers, many of whom originally believed the cheerful residents were real. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

The beauty, whose warmth was showcased previously during her days hosting on QVC, is known for maintaining a cheerful, positive demeanor, even amid challenges. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 3 Nov. 2025

Get up to 60 percent off in the outlet with open box deals on cheerful decor for every room. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025

The set includes a variety of desk accessories like notebooks, highlighters, paperclips, and sticky notes, all packaged in a cheerful red gift box. —Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheerful

• fearful
• tearful

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun